The evolution of digital connectivity is accelerating. The age of the Internet of Everything (IoE) has arrived and the benefits of integrated communications, sensor-based environmental monitoring, physical security and energy management are driving geometric improvements in individual productivity and resource management. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), as one of the largest organizations in the world operating in diverse environments under difficult circumstances and one of the single largest consumers of resources, is also using IoE technology and solutions across its global facility infrastructure. IoE offers the DoD an opportunity to connect people and information like never before and maximize resources while increasing the effectiveness of tax-payer dollars.
One area where IoE investments are currently paying huge and immediate dividends is on U.S. military bases. Bases are hubs for operations, training, living and industrial productivity and actually function as small cities in many cases. The use of IoE solutions to improve the efficiency and security of cities, commercial factories, airports, shipyards and cargo operations is well documented. Many of these same activities occur every day on bases across the globe. The application of these same solutions to military bases will provide a better experience for those working and living there while increasing operational efficiencies in an era of declining resources.
For instance, new technology is playing an important role in improving military base security. Instead of staffing three men at the front entrance gate to base in morning rush hour traffic, sensor technology is now being used to read military issued common access cards to identify authorized base employees and service members. The result is decreased traffic at the gate and improved base safety. The personnel at the gate can focus on registering visitors and identifying potentially threatening vehicles with fewer less personnel. Additionally, physical security devices and analytics software areis being used to enhance perimeter security by identifying potential threats before they are close enough to cause damage.
Today, IoE technologies are playing an important role in helping service members servicemen and women do their daily jobs. Military operations require secure network technology to facilitate daily communications across bases and with personnel stationed in remote areas or onboard ships. IoE is providing new and effective ways for service members to communicate. For example, collaboration and video technologies are enabling operational elements separated by hundreds and thousands of miles to plan, execute and debrief training and operational missions without ever being geographically connected.
The use of IoE to enhance logistics and readiness allows the DoD to employ remote experts to enhance maintenance on complex weapons systems. Instead of flying an expert from a depot to solve a specialized problem, depot specialist and maintainers can collaborate over high-definition videos in real time to properly diagnose and execute repairs when they can’t be there in person. This saves time and improves efficiency by accelerating the evaluation process and ordering of parts required for repairs. The end result is a faster repair job that gets weapons systems back in the field to support operations.
Energy management is a significant challenge for the DoD. IoE technologies are generating immediate and tangible returns of investment for bases. Buildings with smart motion sensors deployed in lights, computers and phones are creating substantial energy savings by automatically turning on or off depending on whether someone is present. Energy management software solutions offer insights into what devices consume excessive power, where “vampire” devices exist and what devices consume energy after duty hours. These solutions provide the means to control energy consumptions across a base’s IT network, which lowers utility costs and improves efficiency across the base. The end result is that bases are saving millions in facility costs, which enables those dollars to be invested in other training, operational and acquisition priorities.
Modern military bases need the latest solutions and powerful networks to accommodate the continued growth of connected devices, buildings and people. Investments in IoE technologies are providing tremendous value to the DoD, but IoE also potentially introduces new security threats and vulnerabilities that users must recognize and defend against. Fortunately, as new endpoint sensors and devices emerge, embedded security and “over-watch or monitoring” security technologies as well as network infrastructures that allow “segmenting and segregation” are offering a solution to this issue.
While caution is clearly understandable, IoE technology has already arrived and is being deployed globally to support cities, factories, transportation hubs, energy and military operations. We live in an increasingly connected world, and while embracing new technologies can be a challenge for government organizations, it’s telling that our military leaders, whose priority is the safety and security, are helping lead the adoption of IoE solutions within government to enhance critical communications, processes and operations. The reason is simple: – tThe benefits and potential value of connected environments far outweigh the risks.
The DoD understands that technology is critical to supporting the next-generation, digital war fighter. By embracing a smart and connected base environment it is laying the foundation for achieving mission success today and in the future while at the same time addressing the demands of reduced resources and increased requirements.
Michael Hodge is a Business Development Manager for Cisco’s Strategic Programs Office. He is currently working on developing solutions for ISR, C4I, simulation, connected bases and network integration across the Department of Defense.
Mike retired from the U.S. Air Force as a colonel in 2007 following a 27-year career. During his time in the Air Force, Mike was involved in over 100 combat missions and held numerous leadership and command positions in special operations, combat search and rescue and the intelligence community.
